Latest news with #EcosystemFund
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Is entrepreneurship really made for someone like me?
But for many women of colour in Scotland, that version of entrepreneurship feels like a distant fairytale. Behind the hashtags, award ceremonies and success stories is a very different reality. One shaped by systemic barriers, quiet exclusions and the mental load of being both visible and invisible at the same time. I know this because I've lived it. I'm a mother of three, a singer, a broadcaster and a personal brand strategist, who helps women build visibility and confidence in rooms where we've often been overlooked. I came to Scotland nearly two decades ago. At the time, I had no network, no roadmap and very little idea of how to navigate this new cultural and professional landscape. I started from scratch hosting concerts, online broadcasts from my living room, mentoring women who felt stuck, and eventually launching Heartsong Live in 2017 – Scotland's first black female- led Christian radio station as a space for music, faith and real-life conversations. But I soon realised faith was only part of the picture. Many of the women listening were struggling, not because they lacked talent or ambition but because they felt stuck, unseen and disconnected from opportunity. That led to Adelphe – a social enterprise that empowers ethnic minority women in Fife, Edinburgh and West Lothian through coaching, mentoring and visibility support. We create safe, practical spaces for women navigating life transitions from entrepreneurship to menopause, caregiving to career change, helping them thrive personally, professionally and within their communities. Earlier this year, we submitted a proposal to the Scottish Government's Ecosystem Fund for a programme called Thrive Circles – a three-month pilot for 20 black and ethnic minority women in Scotland who are running small businesses while raising children, caring for loved ones or rebuilding their careers after migration. We designed it based on what women told us they needed. Safe spaces. Peer-led support. Storytelling that affirms identity. And real visibility ... not just more training slides. The programme included live workshops, a video and podcast series and a printed Adelphe Thrive Magazine showcasing 'Founders You Should Know'. It was creative, community-rooted and built on lived experience. We didn't get the funding. No explanation. No feedback. Just silence. And while I've learned to take rejection in my stride, this one felt like more than a 'no'. It echoed a pattern many of us have become familiar with that the stories, needs and brilliance of black and ethnic minority women in Scotland are too often seen as niche, rather than necessary. When you're a woman of colour in business, rejection doesn't just threaten your plans. It threatens your sense of belonging. You start to wonder if there's a quota. If being passionate, strategic and community-led is enough. If your lived experience is ever going to be seen as credible expertise. You carry the hopes of your community. The silent expectations of your family. The pressure to succeed not just for yourself, but for the girls watching you. And yet, we build anyway. We show up to networking events where we're the only ones. We create content, host circles, lead workshops and offer support even when the funding doesn't come. We raise children while pitching ideas. We adapt, translate and make do because we must. Entrepreneurship, for us, isn't about vanity metrics. It's about visibility. It's about voice. It's about legacy. It's about creating spaces where we don't have to code-switch to be taken seriously. I often say to the women I coach: You're not late. You're just not seen yet. And I say it to myself too – in the quiet moments, after the rejection emails, when I wonder if anything I'm building will ever be truly recognised. So, is entrepreneurship really made for me? I believe it is. Not in the way it's often presented – not just as scaling, pitching or chasing numbers. For me, entrepreneurship is about creating something that reflects who you are, not just what you sell. It's choosing to lead, even when no-one hands you a title. It's building with what you have, where you are, and inviting others to rise with you. Being an entrepreneur isn't just about solving problems, it's about holding space for possibilities. It's about showing up with vision and vulnerability. It's about using your voice when it's easier to stay quiet, and creating opportunities when none seem to exist. For the women I serve and for myself, entrepreneurship is not just business. It's resistance. It's healing. It's legacy. So no, the system may not have been made with us in mind. But we're here. We're building. We're shifting the narrative. And that, too, is entrepreneurship. This piece was published as part of the Pass the Mic programme
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Expansion boost into Hamilton for female business leaders' initiative
An event taking place in the town's Barncluith Business Centre on Thursday, July 3, from 9.30am to noon. New networking initiative Women Can Grow Community is expanding into Lanarkshire after a successful launch in Glasgow. Offering peer-to-peer support to help female business owners with their strategic growth plans, the programme was set up by business support agency Inspirent and kicked off to great acclaim a number of weeks ago. In the wake of the positive feedback, Inspirent is to break new ground by hosting the first gathering of its type in Hamilton, the event taking place in the town's Barncluith Business Centre on Thursday, July 3, from 9.30am to noon. Inspirent chief executive Liz McCutcheon said: 'Following the successful launch of our Women Can Grow Community, we are delighted to be staging it for the first time in Hamilton. 'We will be bringing another blend of sessions focusing on health, sharpening the mindset, confidence and practical business skills – all important elements for anyone looking to build a business successfully.' Thursday's event will include a session on guided meditation with sound healing by Deborah Cunningham of Flourish with Deborah, while Inspirent's Lorraine Maginnis will deliver a session on addressing the barriers to growth that women have identified and on the back of that will look at building confidence and mindset. Rachel Sharp, also from Inspirent, will lead a Canva-focused practical business skills workshop. Inspirent is a key delivery partner for the Scottish Government and will be administering the £700,000 Ecosystem Fund in the coming months - and earlier this year completed a three-month Holyrood-funded practical support programme, Pathways Women Can Grow, for women business owners. 'All women in business are welcome to attend what we believe is not your average networking club,' added Mrs McCutcheon. 'From start-ups to well established companies, there will be something for everyone. 'Life-changing is a strong phrase but that is exactly what some have been saying about both the Pathways and Community initiatives.' And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Ecosystem Fund attracts record number of applicants
The latest round of the Scottish Government's Ecosystem Fund has attracted a record number of applicants. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Aimed at supporting organisations that are driving entrepreneurial growth and innovation across Scotland, the £700,000 fund was launched in early April by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Ana Stewart, the Scottish Government's new Chief Entrepreneur. Fully digitised through a dedicated online portal for the first time, the application process attracted more than 300 entries from across the length and breadth of Scotland, with those who are successful being informed by the end of June following a rigorous selection process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad More than 500 businesses registered on the platform, with 316 applying before last month's deadline – 100 more than last year and 200 more than its launch year. Support: Liz McCutcheon. Hamilton-based business support agency Inspirent is the government's delivery partner for the programme and chief executive Liz McCutcheon said: 'Inspirent is delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Government to deliver the Ecosystem Fund. 'We understand the challenges involved in growing a business and we will nurse those who have been successful through the process. 'We are passionate about the vital role start-up support plays in driving Scotland's economic growth and prosperity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Supporting Scotland's business community — from initial start-up through to sustainable growth — sits at the very heart of everything we do, so becoming involved in this initiative was a natural and obvious fit for us.' Grants of up to £40,000 are available, with all activity covered by the fund having to be completed by 31 March 2026.
Scotsman
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Inspirent initiative boost for female business leaders
Hamilton-based business support agency Inspirent is launching an initiative to produce the next generation of successful female entrepreneurs. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Starting on Thursday, June 5, Women Can Grow Community will offer peer-to-peer support on a monthly basis for female business owners in Glasgow and Lanarkshire looking to take the next steps in their journeys. Inspirent is a key delivery partner for the Scottish Government - it is administering the recently-announced £700,000 Ecosystem Fund - and earlier this year completed a three-month Holyrood-funded practical support programme, Pathways Women Can Grow, for women business owners. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was designed to address barriers faced by early-stage and pre-start female entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical knowledge, bespoke guidance and an empowering support structure. Support: Liz McCutcheon. Women Can Grow Community comes in the wake of the programme's success and Inspirent chief executive Liz McCutcheon said: 'Following the success of Inspirent's Women Can Grow programme for female-led start-ups, I knew it was vital to build on the momentum generated by the commitment and passion of the women involved. 'Almost to a woman, they said the experience had been life-changing. Their energy and determination deserve to be nurtured and channelled, ensuring they continue to access the practical support and invaluable peer networks they have developed. 'We want them to stay connected, supported and inspired. We are genuinely excited about the journey ahead and the potential for these talented businesswomen to flourish and take their enterprises to the next level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These women are so impressive I have no doubt that strong female leaders will come out of this.' Open to all female business owners in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, the opening event takes place at the voco Grand Central Hotel, with each month featuring a blend of practical support tailored to specific elements of business. 'Our plan is to grow the numbers in time, with all female business owners welcome to join our community, enhancing the networking opportunity,' added Mrs McCutcheon.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamilton business support agency Inspirent launching initiative to produce next generation of successful female entrepreneurs
Starting this Thursday, June 5, Women Can Grow Community will offer peer-to-peer support on a monthly basis for female business owners in Lanarkshire and Glasgow looking to take the next steps in their journeys. Hamilton -based business support agency Inspirent is launching an initiative to produce the next generation of successful female entrepreneurs. Starting this Thursday, June 5, Women Can Grow Community will offer peer-to-peer support on a monthly basis for female business owners in Lanarkshire and Glasgow looking to take the next steps in their journeys. Inspirent is a key delivery partner for the Scottish Government and is administering the recently-announced £700,000 Ecosystem Fund. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Earlier this year it completed a three-month Holyrood-funded practical support programme, Pathways Women Can Grow, for women business owners. It was designed to address barriers faced by early-stage and pre-start female entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical knowledge, bespoke guidance and an empowering support structure. Inspirent chief executive Liz McCutcheon said: 'Following the success of Inspirent's Women Can Grow programme for female-led start-ups, I knew it was vital to build on the momentum generated by the commitment and passion of the women involved. 'Almost to a woman, they said the experience had been life-changing. "Their energy and determination deserve to be nurtured and channelled, ensuring they continue to access the practical support and invaluable peer networks they have developed. 'We want them to stay connected, supported and inspired. "We are genuinely excited about the journey ahead and the potential for these talented businesswomen to flourish and take their enterprises to the next level. 'These women are so impressive I have no doubt that strong female leaders will come out of this.' Open to all female business owners in Lanarkshire and Glasgow, the opening event takes place at the voco Grand Central Hotel, with each month featuring a blend of practical support tailored to specific elements of business. 'Our plan is to grow the numbers in time, with all female business owners welcome to join our community, enhancing the networking opportunity,' added Liz. Widely recognised as a leader in its field, Inspirent has helped over 50,000 start-ups, and aided the growth of more than 20,000 established SMEs since launching in 1987. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
